Wheat Industry News
News and Information from Around the Wheat Industry
Speaking of Wheat
“It was really satisfying for me to meet customers halfway around the world that really appreciated the value of the wheat I grow. And I know it was satisfying for them to meet the farmer that truly cared about growing a valuable commodity and caring for the land my family has farmed for generations.” – Derek Sawyer, a wheat farmer from McPherson, Kansas, and Kansas Wheat Commissioner, who participated in U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) Crop Quality Seminars in South America.
USW thanks Kansas farmer Derek Sawyer (above) and the many other farmers and industry officials for investing their time and energy to participate in our 2023 Crop Quality Seminars.
Snake River Dam Issue Gets Political Attention
Capital Press recently reported on Pacific Northwest legislators’ support for keeping locks and dams on the Lower Snake River in Washington State. These dams are essential components of the PNW wheat export system, making environmentally friendly and economical barging possible. The Idaho Wheat Commission offers a valuable resource for overseas customers interested in learning more about the entire Columbia Snake River System at its website here.
The Ice Harbor hydroelectric dam and navigation lock on the Lower Snake River provides navigation, hydroelectric generation, and incidental irrigation.
Turkey Red: The Wheat that Built Kansas
Kansas almost wasn’t “The Wheat State.” If not for … one very special wheat variety 150 years ago, Kansas could have a very different agricultural economy today. Turkey Red winter wheat introduced by a German Mennonite farmer to his adopted state … gave rise — quite literally — not only to the state’s future nickname, but also to a burgeoning milling and baking industry. Read more from Farm Progress and Kansas Wheat’s Aaron Harries here.
U.S. Winter Wheat Ratings Improve
The most recent USDA Crop Conditions Report pegged winter wheat conditions at 50% good to excellent, the highest such ratings at the same time in 3 years. Recent moisture has helped improve ratings. For example, a Nebraska Extension official noted that “wheat is in a good position to overwinter and move into next year.” Read more here.
Lower Prices … Higher Sales
For the week ending Nov. 23, 2023, net U.S. wheat commercial sales of 622,800 metric tons (MT) for 2023/2024 exceeded trade estimates, spurred in part by futures prices near contract lows. China, Mexico, the Philippines, Japan, and “unknown” destinations led the buyers last week. Read more here.
